I did post early in 2009 about possibly joining the striders, but due to one thing and then another (injury, family issues etc etc), I never actually got around to doing so. However, am now back in training and despite me advertising on numerous ocassions for a running buddy to maintain the motivation, I have had no joy . . . so I would like to join your club . . . if you'll still have me that is, as I can no longer tolerate training on my lonesome.
I think the only thing that put me off joining a running club was perhaps that it would be more geared towards younger/fitter/faster athletes (everything I am not).
Anyway, I'm a year older at 40 and average around 20-25 miles per week at approx 9 min mile pacing (so not very fast!!)
So, if you'll have me - can you tell me when training re-commences after the xmas festivities?
Hi Nic, your more than welcome!!! ! its probably the hardest time of year I think staying motivated but we have had an influx of new members at the club so things are really good on that front, training is still mondays and wednesdays at 7pm from central fitness where we used to meet by the squash courts. your pacing and weekly mileage is about the same as some of us and if people want to go faster then they do so on the effort part of the session ,that way everyone gets a decent session in! We are starting again on Monday 4th JAn ( plz correct me if im wrong anyone!!!) we also regularly run on saturday or sunday mornings if you want to ever join us then! There is no better time to join!! p.s we have twenty, thirty ,forty,fifty and sixty somethings in our members!!!! age no barrier!! see you on monday
Jo
-- Edited by Jo on Tuesday 29th of December 2009 05:27:09 PM
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I am made of all the days you don't see, not just the 1 that you do .......:)
Go for it, get yourself down to Central Fitness on the 4th.
I joined about 3 months ago, its the best thing Ive ever done regarding running and fitness. Im a mere 44, ability is no hadicap. I'm way down the list on the 'ability scale'.
The training is very varied. If you run on your own as I did for a few years you tend to do the same route, same speed, same distance etc. Club runs consist of all kinds of distances and speeds which will improve all aspects of your speed, fitness and endurance. We usually 'slow jog' to our destination of choice, then we follow a preset training plan. It can be anything from a 1 mile run repeated a number of times with a rest in between to a longer distance run, but always the slowest runners with no or little previous experience will get one or two runners to run with. Some of the more experienced runners are more than willing to have 'an easier' night and run with and encourage newcomers. As Jo said we have had quite a few new members recently some with very little running experience, but they still come back for more. There is a complete age range and a 50/50 mix of male and female. Not everyone comes every time, theres no pressure, we all have busy lives, children, etc, etc. If you choose to enter races throughout the year you will get lots of advice, encouragement and company for training, if not thats fine, just improve your fitness by joining us on a Monday and Wednesday.
Hope thats enough to get you to want to start. I know its a big step to join a club, you dont know anyone, they all know each other, am I good enough. I thought about it for months and did nothing. I was out running on my own when one of the striders shouted for me to join them while out on their run (thanks Rach). Ive never looked back since.
The main thing is to enjoy it, you can push yourself as hard as you want. I love it, not overly serious but enough to keep you motivated and I found everyone to be really friendly.
If you do decide to come down just tell the receptionist your with the 'striders', theyll let you sign in, then go inside through the door, we just hang about in a group just inside by the squash courts. No need to pay anything, see what you think for a few sessions.
John
-- Edited by john on Tuesday 29th of December 2009 11:28:56 PM
Many thanks for replying and words of encouragement; you have convinced me to give it a go - so I will see you all Mon 4th. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Well put John have you ever thought of going in for PR ,hope to see you all on Mon to run off all the Christmas goodies also get youself down Nic cos you will enjoy it honest Frank
oh my god , it must be Rach and Claire!!!!! fantastic! cant wait till she sees it! ultimate PR!! have a happy new yr all , see you on monday if not saturday morning, and me and Rch promise to not be drunk and turn up this time!
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I am made of all the days you don't see, not just the 1 that you do .......:)
Hi everyone. Sorry i have been off radar past few days but i am in the lake district and the only way i can go online is via my phone which takes forever! nicola- think i spoke to u last time you messaged the club. We are more than happy to see you on monday. We always say give it a few sessions and see what u think, but hopefully we will be what you are looking for. Look forward to seein you then. Frank- have you got a time table for january yet? Runners world- cant wait to see a copy, i will get it when i go home tomorrow. Glad striders made national headlines at last :)
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Rach Club Captain
"There are clubs you can't belong to; neighbourhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open."
oh yes i ment to ask whats the plans for mon and wed next week , may have a couple more newbies who will meet us at the point we do the efforts but if we are doing just steady runs i can let them know not to come to next wks sessions
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I am made of all the days you don't see, not just the 1 that you do .......:)
Just wish to say "Thank You" to you all for making me feel so welcome on my first night of training last night; I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the weather!!
Carol, many thanks for the use of the armbands, it was a lovely gesture and I will duly return them on Wed (weather permitting!). Unfortunately I cannot recall of your names as so many people came forward to speak/run with me, so apologies for that . . . however, I will certainly be back and look forward to seeing you all again.
HI Nicola- dont worry about knowing our names. I think I am one of the few who knows everyone because we have had so many members recently!
Glad you enjoyed your run- it wasnt the best of weather (thank goodness it isnt tonight though!!) but we try and make the most of whatever mother nature throws at us. Be good to see you down again (hills tomorrow!). Now you have joined online you should be able to send me a message with your email address on and I can send you the training plan
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Rach Club Captain
"There are clubs you can't belong to; neighbourhoods you can't live in, schools you can't get into, but the roads are always open."
glad you enjoyed it on Monday, my essay of encouragement to get you down to the club wasnt wasted then. I know how you feel with names, I joined 3 months ago and still dont know everyones names but Im getting there.
See you tomorrow if we are going ahead. I would advise you to check your emails and look on hear to see whats going on. If it freezes tonight and doesnt thaw tomorrow it may well get cancelled. Fred the weatherman said dont go out unless its absolutely necessary tomorrow, I'll leave it to the Striders to decide on that one.
John
-- Edited by john on Tuesday 5th of January 2010 08:02:44 PM
Hello all I,ve just returned from decathlon sports after buying some snow shoes/crampons/and set of skis for training nowt goin to stop me from retaining my joint 1st position on the register see you all on the ice
as I can no longer tolerate training on my lonesome. 
Unfortunately I cannot recall of your names as so many people came forward to speak/run with me, so apologies for that . . . however, I will certainly be back and look forward to seeing you all again.
